Hanoi (VNA) – As Vietnam and Bulgaria will celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, the official visit to Vietnam by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his spouse from November 24-28 will mark a significant milestone in their enduring friendship and create momentum for the two countries to develop the bilateral ties towards a strategic partnership in the coming time, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Do Hoang Long.

The diplomat told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter that the visit will be the first trip to Vietnam by a Bulgarian president in 11 years. This is also the first visit to Vietnam by President Radev who will be the first head of state to be officially welcomed by State President Luong Cuong since the Vietnamese leader took office. This diplomatic activity underscores Vietnam's high regard for Bulgaria as a traditional, trusted and important partner in the Balkans region.

Vietnam-Bulgaria traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation

President Radev’s visit comes as a testament to the thriving bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two nations. Over the recent past, Vietnam and Bulgaria have held their successful periodic meetings of the intergovernmental committee and brought into full play collaboration between ministries, departments, and local authorities. Besides, they have maintained strong mutual support and coordination at international forums and organisations, he stressed.

The bonds between the two countries official began in 1950, when Bulgaria was one of the first ten nations worldwide to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

During Vietnam's most challenging periods of struggle for national independence and construction, Bulgaria proved to be an unwavering supporter, providing both material and moral assistance for the country. It helped shape Vietnam's future leadership by training over 3,600 scientific personnel and experts, along with more than 30,000 skilled workers in diverse sectors, including construction, architecture, IT, biochemistry, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and medicine. Many graduates then became Vietnam's high-ranking officials, leading scientists, experts, and top engineers, who have made contributions to strengthening the traditional friendship with Bulgaria.

According to Long, despite the temporary setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bilateral relations have bounced back with remarkable momentum, fueled by meetings between high-level leaders, ministries, sectors and localities of both sides. Bulgarian leaders have consistently expressed their deep appreciation for the historical partnership and admiration for Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and international integration. Notably, they said Bulgaria stands ready to serve as a bridge to strengthen Vietnam's cooperation with both the European Union and the Balkans region.

The thriving diplomatic ties have translated into tangible economic results, with bilateral trade volume doubling from 102.5 million USD in 2015 to 211.5 million USD in 2023, he said, adding this upward trajectory continues, with trade revenue expected to reach some 300 million USD this year, a year-on-year increase of 20%.

As the two countries have reaped various achievements in their cooperation in politics, economy – trade, investment, education – training, science – technology, culture – tourism, defence – security, labour and legislation, President Radev’s trip will continue contributions to bolstering and deepening the traditional friendship and multi-faceted collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the domains of their strengths and needs, he stated.

Prospects for stronger bilateral cooperation in various fields

Looking toward the future, Long highlighted digital transformation and green transition as key areas for cooperation, with Bulgaria's IT sector contributing 7.4% to its GDP and growing at an impressive 17% annually over the past three years as well as strong commitment to emissions reduction and infrastructure improvement to meet climate targets.

President Radev will be accompanied by dozens of Bulgarian IT and high-tech companies, signaling strong potential for technological partnership, he stressed, suggesting both nations further collaboration at international forums on climate change and make joint efforts for a sustainable and prosperous future.

He went on to say that people-to-people exchange between the two nations remains robust, with over 30,000 Vietnamese having lived, studied, and worked in Bulgaria. Friendship associations have actively promoted the exchange, contributing to maintaining, consolidating and boosting the traditional friendship.

Cultural exchanges continue to flourish, exemplified by Lai Chau city's folk music performance at the 2024 Kazanlak Rose Festival’s street music event. Besides, the Vietnamese language department at the Sofia University attracts more than 30 Bulgarian students annually, while the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria continues to be an important bridge to promote people-to-people diplomacy and contribute positively to𒅌 the homeland as well as the host nation, he added./.